High-tech drones displayed at China's aviation exhibition

An exhibition in Beijing, part of the second China Air Transport Association (CATA) Aviation Conference, showcased a range of impressive high-tech drones.

China's drone industry is developing rapidly, with the number of registered drones nearing 2.05 million as of September 2024. By 2025, the output value of the country's civilian drones is expected to exceed 200 billion yuan (over 28 billion U.S. dollars).

The exhibition showcased the latest domestic drone applications and the latest models, reflecting the industry's growth and innovation.

One highlight at the exhibition is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, which has recently received a production license from the Civil Aviation Administration of China. This makes the eVTOL aircraft the world's first air vehicle to obtain production, airworthiness and type certificates simultaneously. It is expected to begin mass production by the end of this year and gradually enter daily life.

"This eVTOL aircraft is developed by China with independent intellectual property rights. We will also incorporate new energy technologies. The drones will gradually enter cities in the future and eventually become part of daily life," said Sun Yong'an, an exhibitor.

Another highlight at the exhibition is a set of drones designed specifically for teenagers. These drones allow young users to easily learn flight and programming techniques through mobile phone operation.

"We adopt a dual-battery design. If one battery encounters a glitch, the other battery can ensure that the drone functions normally. The propellers are equipped with a two-way up-and-down mechanism to better combat wind resistance," said Bao Xinli, another exhibitor.

At the conference, the CATA also introduced a self-discipline convention for fair competition among general aviation enterprises.

Running from Friday to Sunday, the second CATA Aviation Conference also features industry forums on topics such as high-quality development of aviation transportation, innovation in smart civil aviation, civil aviation network and data security, and low-altitude economic development.

High-tech drones displayed at China's aviation exhibition

China attaches great importance to the development of China-Singapore relations, and is willing to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, promote practical cooperation in various fields, and enhance people-to-people exchanges with Singapore, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when holding talks with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Beijing.

Noting that over the past year, under the strategic guidance of leaders of the two countries and joint efforts of both sides, the all-round high-quality and future-oriented partnership between China and Singapore has maintained a good momentum, Wang urged the two countries to continue to enhance strategic communication, increase mutual trust, jointly address the ever-emerging global challenges at present, and safeguard the overall situation of regional peace and stability.

Wang said that maintaining the security of global industrial and supply chains and the smooth flow of maritime navigation is in the common interests of the international community, and China is willing to continue to make efforts to this end.

Noting that Singapore is an important ASEAN member and will assume ASEAN's rotating presidency next year, Wang said China expects the Singaporean side to continue playing an active role in promoting China-ASEAN cooperation.

Balakrishnan said Singapore highly values its relations with China, adheres to the one-China policy, and firmly opposes "Taiwan independence."

Singapore is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with China, promote practical cooperation in various fields, carry out key cooperation projects of both sides, and promote regional connectivity, he said.

Singapore is ready to promote greater progress in ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership, support the Global Development Initiative, and uphold multilateralism and free trade, and is willing to work with China to make joint efforts in promoting world peace, development and prosperity, he added.

China ready to promote practical cooperation with Singapore: Chinese FM